A red squirrel conservation project has been hailed as a success- one year on.

The Westmorland Red Squirrel Society's 'Grizedale Red Squirrels' have reported that the red squirrels are boasting healthy populations in and around Grizedale Forest, and they are beginning to spread further afield.

A joint effort between the Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Red Squirrels Northern England, Red Squirrel Survival Trust and landowners, hase ensured that the population of red squirrels is not allowed to dwindle.

A grant of almost £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund has aso helped with the control of the greys to reduce their threat to the protection and growth of the red species.

"We have been immensely encouraged by the number of red squirrels sighted in the Grizedale area and also by the positive response from everybody involved.

"This is a wonderful example of 'community energy' creating a powerful network to benefit a local wildlife species which was desperately in need of help."